Springfield, Mass., Y’s Men’s Club Papers (MS 526)

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The first Y’s Men’s Club was founded by Judge Paul William Alexander in Toledo, Ohio, in 1922. It was designed to support the Toledo YMCA. Since the YMCA was usually known as "the Y", and it was designed as a club of "men of and for the Y", it was named the "Y's Men's Club". The Y’s Men’s Club in Springfield, Mass., was a service club for those who were interested in the ideals of the YMCA. It met during the mid-twentieth century, stressed world fellowship, and allowed Springfield residents to meet with students overseas attending American International College and Springfield College. The Springfield Massachusetts Y’s Men’s Club papers contain information that was gathered or created by the Springfield Massachusetts Y’s Men’s Club. The majority of the documents in the collection are contained in the Springfield Mass. Y’s Men’s Club Scrapbook (ca. 1937 to 1951). Included are lists of members, newspaper articles about events, pamphlets and advertisements, photographs of members and activities, newsletters, placemats, and correspondence, including letters from China, Japan, Norway, Egypt, as well as other countries. Of particular import is the letter written by Fred Hoshiyama about his experiences in the Japanese “Concentration Camps” in the United States during World War II.